A Daughter of the Poor (1917) User Reviews

Bessie Love is ideal in her title role

[deickemeyer · 21 July 2015]

"A Ddaughter of the Poor," by Anita Loos, directed by Edward Dillon, is beautifully constructed, admirably handled and presented by a fine company in flawless shape. Bessie Love is ideal in her title role, her best interpretation thus far. In that there is a definite purpose, however, lies a great element of success. No great necessity for submerging the theme exists in a story so direct and simple, so it is permitted to shine in action and subtitle. It is social and therefore vital, the old cry from the depths of the less fortunate part of humanity and a generous response from people of wealth who acquire a wider consciousness of their duty through the unexpected contact with a very winning and aggressive little daughter of the poor and through a story about her written by a poor author who loves her dearly. The theme is big enough for thousands of live stories, but it is too often presented with disagreeable spectacles of martyrdom, and it is not easy to handle under any circumstances. It is very sweetly and delicately put in this instance. There is nothing theatrical about the director's work. He is visualizing a motion-picture story and he does it convincingly by motion-picture methods. Several of the characters beside that assumed by Miss Love stand out with cameo-like distinctness, notable that of her socialist and utterly incapable uncle impersonated by Max Davidson. Carl Stockdale, as the publisher, is decidedly convincing, and George Beranger, as the socialist writer, is very effective. The story is admirably typed throughout, a well- balanced composition dealing with subject matter of live interest, hence the release Will undoubtedly meet with approval almost universal. - The Moving Picture World, March 24, 1917

" A Daughter of The Poor 1917 Lost Film "

[PamelaShort · 2 December 2013]

This lost 1917 silent film starred Bessie Love, with the story scenario written by Anita Loos. The film was produced by Fine Art Films Company and distributed by the Triangle Film Corporation, and released on March 18, 1917. Directed by Edward Dillon, Bessie Love plays Rose Eastman, an orphan who lives with her slothful Uncle Joe ( Max Davidson ). He works as a janitor in a publishing house for James Stevens ( Carl Stockdale ). Lacking self-esteem and education , Uncle Joe and Rose are easily influenced by the socialist ideas of writer Rudolph Creig ( George Beranger ) who convinces them that the rich are evil. One day Rose meets Steven's son Jack ( Roy Stewart ) while he is working on his car, which leads her to believe he is a common laborer, she begins to see him. After being with him, Rose begins to realize the rich are not such a abominable lot, a conclusion Rudolph has also reached after learning Stevens has published his book and now a hefty royalty check is awaiting him. Because of his substantial earnings, Rudolph is able to marry Rose. Sadly this is another loss for silent cinema and those who appreciate the delightful actress, Bessie Love.